Highlights of the Mr. Universe Contest

By John C. Grimek

THE MR. UNIVERSE CONTEST in London is always a big thing and the best on the
entire European continent, so much so that many American champions fly over and
compete in this great event. When I heard some of the men who already planned to
compete I decided to fly over and take in the competition. Of course some weeks
earlier it was suggested that I go over and view the talent and even invite
some of the outstanding champions to our Mr. World contest. In talking with
some of these men I found many very interested and, so long as they had the
proper credentials to indicate their amateur status, they would be eligible.
Physically, many of these men would more than qualify, and I certainly hope that
some of them can make the trip. They'll be more than welcomed.

Mr. Universe Results

Amateur

Elias Petsas

Paul Grant

Lars Lunde

Lou Ferrigno

Warren Fredericks

Bill Grant

Professional

Frank Zane

Boyer Coe

Dennis Tinerino

Tony Emmott

L Ingebergtsen

A Moktari

The decision to go came about once I realized that six years have gone by since
my last visit and I felt a trip was long overdue. However, I had much to do
before going, but by buckling down I managed to get caught up and got ready to
go just a couple days before departure time. On our way to the airport I
couldn't help but reflect on our last trip and the delays that were encountered.
I wondered how we would fare this time. The trip was to take six hours but took
almost 20. And due to the time difference and the late afternoon departure, more
than 40 hours went by before we got any sleep. However, it was the waiting and
delays that became boring and very tiresome, and by the time we finally reached
our destination we felt we've been traveling for weeks!

To compound matters, upon checking in at the airport we were asked whether we
preferred seats in a smoking or nonsmoking area. Naturally, since neither my
wife nor I smoke we chose the latter. . . or so we thought.

In flight the air conditioning unit kept the area clear of any smoke, but during
the time we were grounded, which was for hours, smoke curled all around us,
irritating the eyes, nose and throat. Most smokers are very inconsiderate, but
perhaps had they not been able to smoke they might have become very upset and
nervous, much more than they were.

One solution to this delay problem may be to try another flight time so that
arrival time does not coincide with the London fog that prevents landing, and on
our return trip I gave the matter considerable thought. However, we were not the
only ones to have this experience. Dennis Tinerino and his friends had a similar
experience. They, however, got hung up in Eire, while we were stuck in Scotland.
I believe this delay caused Dennis to lose confidence, though he denied this,
and though he looked in shape, the long delay took something out of him.

It happened to Vern Weaver on our last trip six years before.
Again we were delayed for hours and this may have had something to do with his
condition because Vern lost the spirit and failed to do nearly as good as was
expected. Perhaps these contestants should fly to London several days before the
contest to acclimate themselves to the surrounding conditions and even get one
or more workouts before the actual contest.

Eventually what seemed like an endless trip finally terminated in London hours
behind schedule. We got our luggage and customs and started towards the exit. I
was confronted with the problem of getting to the hotel, but because I was so
rushed I failed to convert checks into British currency. I wondered how I was
going to pay the taxi driver. Thus, with baggage in hand and deep in thought I
headed towards the exit, not expecting anyone at this late arrival. Then out of
the clear blue came a familiar salutation "Hi mate." I looked up astonished.
There stood Reg Ireland, an old friend. . . our "manna from heaven!" I was
surprised to see him because we haven't seen each other in years though we
exchanged letters occasionally. However, I did send him a note telling him of
our intended visit but no details, yet he took the trouble and time to learn the
date of our arrival and decided to meet us . . . whatta break for us! At that
moment I could not think of anyone I'd rather see more than Reg. He was a life
saver.

He helped with our baggage and led us to where he had a car waiting. By driving
us to the hotel he solved a number of problems. We exchanged family gossips
enroute. The time, in spite of the heavy traffic seemed brief and in no time we
were in front of the hotel. Reg knew we've had a tiresome time, so he said he'd
see us later.

We checked in and went to our room. We were disappointed because the room didn't
have a bath, and we wanted to shower before dinner, but under the circumstances
we did our best and went down to the lobby. Many were there; Arax, Oscar
Heidenstam, Zane and his wife, etc. We talked awhile then decided to have
dinner. . . we were starved. After dinner we took a brief walk then went to our
room to rest a moment and apparently fell asleep; later waking up in the middle
of the night and had trouble getting to sleep again. When we finally did, we
overslept.

We expected to rise early, have breakfast then hop the bus to the prejudging
venue. However, by the time we finished breakfast the bus already left with the
contestants and judges. I inquired about directions because attempts to
hail a taxi proved futile. We started walking. Finally I saw a taxi discharging
a passenger. I asked him to take us to the address I showed him. He looked sort
of funny at me, saying, "It's only a few blocks from here." I asked that he take
us anyway. He did and because he didn't take us around on a useless cruise, I
tipped him well and started into the building.

The judging already started. The hall looked packed. As I entered a few fellows
came up, most of whom I met on previous occasions. We exchanged greetings and
talked about the contest. Oscar Heidenstam was M.Cing the event. Spotted Angela
and I, came over and led us down front. I took my place among the judges, all
20 of them!

I studied the men that stood before us. Most of them appeared massive and
muscular. Instantly the event of 1948 flashed through my mind when I competed in
the first Mr. Universe contest. At that time, outside of Reeves, Drappe and a
couple of others there wasn't that much competition. But now the men were more
evenly matched and the problem of selecting just one would be very difficult.
I turned to the judge on each side of me and asked how this years line-up
compared with other years? Instinctively each replied that last year's
standards were better. Better, I thought to myself, when any one of these men
could be the winner.

Another group was called out, and again the difficulty of selecting the top
man was not an easy matter, and when it was all over, Oscar announced it was
time for lunch and to reconvene by two. The crowd filed out onto the street.
We followed. But where to eat. Someone suggested a small tavern across the
street.

We decided to try it. Many of the spectators and judges were there. The small
place was crowded, and two of the hardest working guys, who tally up the scores,
Bill Ball and Bill Norris, joined us . . . or I should say we joined them.
We had a lot of conversation between mouthfuls. Then someone brought me a drink.
I asked what it was. "Oh," one of the fellows replied, "that's a ladies
drink." Ladies drink I howled. No wonder I saw a few fellows look at me in a
kind of funny way. But Norris and Ball knew I wasn't keen on beer or ale and
thought I might like this. I'll admit I could not identify it, but somehow it
tasted like a mixture of soda pop, molasses and beer. . . if that's possible.

When we finished we went outside. The street was crowded with contestants,
spectators, etc. Then Dennis Tinerino came over. He told me of their woes, the
delays, etc. I laughed but I had to sympathize with him because my eyes still
burned and my throat was slightly irritated from the smoke yet. The only thing
in my favor was that I didn't have to compete as Dennis, so didn't have to be
in the pink. I saw some of his competition and he would have to be in top shape
to win. The delay certainly didn't help, but Dennis seemed cool and voiced
great confidence. A good sign. I wished him luck.

The street suddenly looked deserted except for the crowd around us. The
doorman came over and told us the judging was about to start . . . we meandered
over. Lights were doused and a group of contestants were just filing in. As the
men were introduced it surprised me to see the number of Americans competing
Momentarily I thought I was back in the states. Again the men lined up just a
few feet in front of us. They went through the usual front, side, back and front
again turns. Again the thought of selecting just one man in this group was
difficult. I heard other judges discussing how that was too heavy here or
there, or not enough in other areas. They had a point. I spotted this and knew
that their symmetry was not up to par. Mentally I still gave every man credit
for the effort he must have expended to get into the physical condition he
displayed. It wasn't just a matter of getting huge and bulky. These men had to
dedicate hours and hours of training to obtain their development. I felt that
more than half of these contestants deserved to win, and because I could not
honestly decide, I upheld my vote but would cast it in case of a tie. I studied
the men as various judges would call on some of them to pose and pose again so
that by the time they went up on stage to do their posing routine they were
thoroughly pumped up just as they might be from a hard workout. However, none
seemed to mind or hurry. When he was called by the judges to do a certain pose
he would come forth and do it almost nonchalantly but flexed to the point of
shaking that caused his veins to bulge!

Most of the afternoon was spent judging these men, though the professional
entry this year was small compared to previous years. In the pros the Americans
dominated; Frank Zane, Boyer Coe and Dennis Tinerino. Being acquainted with all
of them I just couldn't see myself selecting just one when all three have
trained hard and long for this event, so I withdrew from the judging panel and
went backstage to tell the contestants where the ideal posing spot was. Then
from backstage I watched each man go through his routine. I was glad that I did
because every pose each man did he looked better. Zane was heavier from last
year but his muscularity was razor-sharp and his midsection remarkably small.
Coe looked massive but still strikingly cut-up. Some figured him to win.
Tinerino was the heaviest of the three but amazingly muscular for the bulk he
carried. He looked like he might win by sheer size. The judges made those
three, plus one or two of the others, strike poses again and again until they
decided who they'll pick.

It was nearly 5 p.m. by the time judging was over. Oscar then announced that
the Miss Bikini contest will be judged at the Victoria Palace the next day. All
contestants were also asked to be present for rehearsal, and with that the crowd
filed out. Many walked to their hotel. In the lobby we had tea with some friends
and discussed the events of the day. Everyone tried to figure out who won but no
one could be 100% certain. We'll just have to wait until tomorrow!

Our demand for room and bath was met. We showered, that is, a hand shower,
but that was better than a bath. It helped to refresh us, and after a little
rest we got hungry. By now it was around 7 p.m. and we decided to try a small
Italian place just up the street. The place was full. We spotted a number of
contestants and others we've met. Christine Charles, Miss Bikini winner, her
husband and friends were leaving. We wished her luck. She seemed excited about
tomorrow. We had a good dinner then decided to walk around. Met others and
talked and before we knew it, it was almost midnight.

We arranged to have dinner with Reg Ireland the next day before the show.
Next morning we again overslept and had a late breakfast. By the time Red
showed up I still was not hungry but we went along to enjoy a snack in Reg's
company. It took longer than we expected and we had to rush by taxi to the
Victoria Palace. Many people were still outside trying to get in. The place was
a sellout. Lights were down, the orchestra was playing as the judges were being
introduced from the stage. We sat in the front row and awaited the highlights.
Class #3 was first. Each man was introduced, gave his posing display while the
audience applauded with approval. Other acts followed, especially a fine
gymnastic exhibition which was well received.

Next came Class #2, the most popular with over 20 contestants competing.
Again, some mighty impressive physiques were on display, and then intermission
After this a few more acts were presented before Class #1 came on. Over a dozen
men competed. In years past only a handful competed in this tall category, but
today it's becoming as popular as the medium class. The tallest competitor was
a young American, Lou Ferrigno, 6 ft. 4 in. or over and he placed in the top
five. A commendable showing considering the competition.

The Miss Bikini contestants lined up which were selected that morning. The
winner, stately Christine Charles, took the honors. John Citrone and his wife
then put on an interesting strongman act that the audience enjoyed. After which
the pros came on. About a dozen or so competed but the caliber was excellent.
Each man posed with finesse and no one knew who the winner was until announced.
It was Zane first, Coe second and Tinerino third. Elias Petsas got the amateur
award. Those who failed to win took it graciously and the audience gave everyone
a pig hand. . . they always do.

I signed a few autographs and started for the exit. Though the theatre
emptied out in minutes, the street outside was congested. Trying to get a taxi
was hopeless, so we walked. Along came Dave Prowse, one-time powerful lifter
but now making monster epics and doing remarkably well. He offered us a lift. We
accepted. We asked him to join us for some tea but he had other plans. We sat in
the lobby having tea and watched many come in hurriedly, probably to get ready
for the dance.

It was after six when Reg left and we retired to our room to shower and
change clothes. The Universe Dance was at the Holborn Assembly rooms, wherever
that might be. By the time we showered and got ready it was well past 7 p.m.
We were starved but felt stopping to eat now would make us very late. We decided
to hold off, hoping we might get a bite to eat at the dance . . . we didn't.
Eventually we found the place with the help of a fellow who directed us. The
band was swinging but no one was dancing.

Oscar saw us and introduced us to some people then took us over to meet Colin
Sheard, one of his writers. I knew of Colin for years but never met him, so was
impressed. We sat around talking and drinking some concoction, but the drinks
only made me hungrier and thirstier. Brenda Sell with a friend came over. She
asked why we weren't dancing. Why? Because no one else was dancing. Angela
urged me to dance. Why do women all want to dance? Men have to be urged and
coaxed. After another drink we went out. Brenda got Jean Stoos, one of the
judges, to dance too but no one else joined in. I felt awkward and self
conscious. . . after that number I decided to sit down. Then we got involved in
a discussion about protecting some of the athletes who might otherwise be
barred from world competition. In this group was Arax, Tony Boulos, Henri
Fagot. Oscar was on stage getting some of the contestants to come out and pose
for the crowd again. Many contestants did, while we were trying to solve the
dilemma of the European bodybuilder. We were so involved we didn't even hear
Oscar asking me to come up to say some words, and before we knew it, many were
saying goodnight and leaving to catch trains and buses home. We still hadn't
eaten when things were closing. Arax drove us to an Italian section but they
were closing. We drove to Piccadilly, we got some dessert and by then it was
time to retire.

It had been a big day. I knew that Petsas and Zane were happy over their
victory, but those who failed must have had other thoughts. But as always, there
will be another time to come back and try again. That's the name of the game;
some win, some lose. The losers come back and try again, the winners, at least
most of them, are content with their victory.

Next year the whole thing will again be repeated. There will be other
winners, other losers but the spirit of competition will live on. A great
salute to all those who made this presentation such a success. They truly
deserve it!

PHOTO CAPTIONS

- Mr. Universe winners and runner-up pose with their trophies. Boyer Coe (left) placed second in the professional category; Elias Petsas (center) won the amateur title, while Frank Zane (right) took the professional honors.

- Plenty of muscle on display here! Boyer Coe looked very well in the line-up, and Muscular Petsas won the title through sheer muscularity. Frank Zane looked improved since last year, and Dennis Tinerino also appeared impressive in the competition.